States Approach Deadline for Major Child Welfare Systems Decision

As I mentioned in my most recent blogpost, “CCWIS vs. SACWIS” was a big topic of discussion among child welfare professionals at last fall’s APHSA ISM Conference. Now that question is even more urgent. With the July 31 deadline approaching, states need to decide whether to continue with their Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information Systems (SACWIS) or avail themselves of enhanced federal funding and transition to the more responsive, flexible case management structure supported in the new Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS).

While every state environment is unique, many of the same issues challenge child welfare programs across the nation. Common service delivery challenges include:

Inability for the program to correctly assess eligibility requirements and meet state and federal mandates and timeframes

Unreliable, inaccurate data reporting

Too much time spent in case processing instead of working with families on their needs and case priorities

In addition, the data that exists and technical challenges can compound the problem, including:

Inaccurate data, with extensive data duplication and redundancy that doesn’t accurately reflect the scope of need or the breadth of resources to serve families and children

Instead of supporting business operations and intuitive work processes on a daily basis, some existing systems and tools create time delays in case processing, critical decision making and documentation essential to support families and effective case practices

Lack of tools that leverage current industry standards in technology and digital interactions

Delays in implementing regulatory or policy changes essential to effective business operations

Factoring in any or all of these challenges, each state needs to make a determination as to how to proceed — and how to ensure ongoing compliance as they transition. Budgets are always a factor in major systems decisions and investment is required in order to reap the benefits available from making this technology and business process transition.

If you decide to make the move to CCWIS, Conduent can help. We’d be happy to sit down with you and share our vision for enhancing outcomes for children, youth and families. Our CCWIS approach offers these benefits and more:

Enhances staff ability to achieve improved outcomes of safety, permanency, health and well-being for the children, youth and families they serve

We’ll be at the upcoming APHSA HHS Summit in Arlington, Virginia, from May 6th to 9th and hope to see you there. To arrange a demo of our solution either at APHSA HHS or in your home state, click here to contact me.